Broken Ranks

Broken Ranks is a grimdark MMORPG set in a fractured fantasy world developed by Whitemoon Games. Players navigate a post-apocalyptic realm where civilization teeters on collapse after a catastrophic betrayal by powerful god-like beings. With turn-based combat and a focus on mature storytelling, the game emphasizes moral ambiguity and survival in a brutal landscape where alliances shift and quests reveal layered societal decay.

Broken Ranks: Review

In the sprawling landscape of MMORPGs, few titles manage to carve out a niche that feels both fresh and familiar. Broken Ranks, developed by Whitemoon Games, is one such title. Released on January 25, 2022, this isometric dark-fantasy MMORPG has garnered attention for its unique blend of classic RPG elements and modern multiplayer mechanics. This review will delve into the depths of Broken Ranks, examining its development history, narrative, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and legacy.

Development History & Context

The Studio

Whitemoon Games, a Polish studio, has a history of developing MMORPGs that blend traditional RPG elements with modern multiplayer experiences. Broken Ranks is not their first foray into this genre; the studio previously developed The Pride of Taern, which laid the groundwork for many of the mechanics and themes found in Broken Ranks.

The Creators’ Vision

The creators of Broken Ranks envisioned a game that would appeal to both veteran RPG players and newcomers to the genre. They aimed to create a world that was immersive, challenging, and rich in narrative depth. The game’s isometric perspective and turn-based combat system are nods to classic RPGs like Baldur’s Gate and Heroes of Might and Magic, while its multiplayer elements and open-world exploration are more in line with modern MMORPGs.

Technological Constraints & Gaming Landscape

At the time of its release, Broken Ranks faced several technological constraints. The game was developed using Adobe AIR and the Away3D + Starling + Feathers engine, which allowed for a high degree of customization and flexibility but also presented challenges in terms of performance and optimization. The gaming landscape in 2022 was dominated by large-scale MMORPGs like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV, which presented stiff competition for a smaller, indie-developed title.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot

The narrative of Broken Ranks is set in a grim, low-fantasy world where the kingdom of Taern has been invaded by the Utorian hordes. Players take on the role of a Taernian refugee, forced to flee their homeland and seek refuge in a new world. The story is one of survival, resilience, and the struggle to reclaim what has been lost.

Characters

The game features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique backstories and motivations. Players can choose from seven different classes, each with its own set of abilities and playstyles. The characters are well-written and believable, adding depth to the game’s narrative.

Dialogue

The dialogue in Broken Ranks is one of its strongest points. It is written in a way that feels authentic and immersive, drawing players into the game’s world and making them care about the characters and their stories. The dialogue is also used to explore the game’s themes of loss, resilience, and the struggle for survival.

Themes

The game’s themes are explored through its narrative, characters, and dialogue. The central theme is one of resilience in the face of adversity. The characters in Broken Ranks are all survivors, each with their own stories of loss and struggle. The game explores how these characters find the strength to go on, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

The core gameplay loop in Broken Ranks revolves around exploration, combat, and questing. Players explore the game’s open world, completing quests and battling enemies along the way. The game’s turn-based combat system adds a layer of strategy and depth to the combat, requiring players to plan their actions carefully.

Combat

The combat system in Broken Ranks is inspired by classic turn-based RPGs like Heroes of Might and Magic. Players have 10 seconds to plan their actions, which adds a layer of tension and excitement to the combat. The system is deep and strategic, with a variety of abilities and tactics to master.

Character Progression

Character progression in Broken Ranks is handled through a combination of leveling up and spending points to upgrade abilities. The game features seven classes, each with its own unique set of abilities. Players can also acquire pets and other companions to aid them in combat.

UI

The user interface in Broken Ranks is functional but not particularly innovative. It provides all the necessary information but can feel cluttered at times. The keybindings are somewhat inflexible, which can be frustrating for players who prefer to customize their controls.

Innovative or Flawed Systems

One of the most innovative aspects of Broken Ranks is its turn-based combat system. However, the game’s multiplayer mechanics feel somewhat tacked on, and the open-world exploration can feel limited at times. The game’s UI could also use some improvement, as it can feel cluttered and unintuitive.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting

The setting of Broken Ranks is a grim, low-fantasy world inspired by Slavic mythology, history, and culture. The game’s world is filled with vibrant cities, remote mountaintops, mysterious settlements, and terrifying ruins. Each area is unique and beautifully designed, contributing to the game’s immersive atmosphere.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere in Broken Ranks is dark and foreboding, reflecting the game’s themes of loss and struggle. The game’s art style, with its hand-drawn characters and environments, adds to this atmosphere, making the world feel lived-in and authentic.

Visual Direction

The visual direction in Broken Ranks is inspired by classic isometric RPGs like Baldur’s Gate and Pillars of Eternity. The game’s art style is detailed and beautiful, with a focus on creating a rich, immersive world.

Sound Design

The sound design in Broken Ranks is excellent, with a soundtrack that complements the game’s dark, foreboding atmosphere. The sound effects are also well-done, adding to the game’s immersive experience.

Reception & Legacy

Critical & Commercial Reception

Broken Ranks received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s unique combat system, immersive world, and rich narrative, but criticized its multiplayer mechanics and UI. The game’s commercial reception was also mixed, with a dedicated but relatively small player base.

Evolution of Reputation

Since its release, Broken Ranks has seen its reputation evolve. The game has received several updates and expansions, including The Other Side, which added new areas, quests, and story content. These updates have helped to address some of the game’s initial criticisms and have contributed to its growing reputation as a unique and innovative MMORPG.

Influence on Subsequent Games & Industry

Broken Ranks has had a significant influence on subsequent games and the industry as a whole. Its unique blend of classic RPG elements and modern multiplayer mechanics has inspired other developers to experiment with similar combinations. The game’s success has also helped to validate the viability of smaller, indie-developed MMORPGs in a market dominated by large-scale titles.

Conclusion

Broken Ranks is a unique and innovative MMORPG that stands out in a crowded market. Its rich narrative, immersive world, and strategic combat system make it a standout title in the genre. While it has its flaws, particularly in its multiplayer mechanics and UI, these are outweighed by its many strengths. Broken Ranks is a game that deserves to be experienced by any fan of RPGs or MMORPGs, and its influence on the industry is likely to be felt for years to come.